The Oyo Pillar of Sports Foundation has strengthened its commitment to youth empowerment by awarding vocational training scholarships to four young people, providing them with an opportunity to acquire practical skills and become financially independent.
The initiative, championed by the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation under the chairmanship of Mr Temitope Ademola Obideyi, will see the four beneficiaries undergo one year of free barbering training at SunnyCutz Barbers Academy.
The scholarship programme was unveiled at an event held at Café One, Bond Mall, Favour Junction, Bodija, Ibadan, marking another milestone in the foundation’s efforts to promote vocational education, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods among young people in Oyo State.
Through the partnership with SunnyCutz Barbers Academy, the beneficiaries are expected to receive professional barbering training, equipping them with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills that could enable them to establish their own businesses in the future.
Oyo Pillar of Sports Foundation Intensifies Investment in Youth Development
The latest intervention reflects the Oyo Pillar of Sports Foundation’s determination to create opportunities for young people beyond sports by investing in education, vocational training and economic empowerment.
It also builds on the foundation’s recent investment in the future of two promising young football talents, Abdulganiyu Aishat, popularly known as “Eku”, and Olayide Adams Olawale, fondly called “My Daddy”.
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the foundation presented educational and vocational training scholarships to the two football talents as part of its broader commitment to supporting young people in their academic, sporting and professional pursuits.
Alakinyele Charges Beneficiaries to Embrace Opportunity
Speaking at the scholarship presentation, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Odeniran, who also serves as Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, urged the beneficiaries to approach the training with dedication, discipline, concentration and seriousness.
The traditional ruler encouraged the young people to maximise the opportunity and work towards becoming independent entrepreneurs, noting that vocational skills acquisition remains an important pathway to sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.
He also commended Obideyi for his consistent commitment to youth development, particularly his efforts to empower young people through entrepreneurship and practical skills training.
Education Commissioner’s Representative Commends Initiative
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Ogunsina, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, described the scholarship programme as a potentially life-changing opportunity for the beneficiaries.
She urged the students to take their training seriously, emphasising that vocational education provides young people with valuable alternatives in an increasingly competitive employment market.
According to her, practical skills acquisition can help address unemployment by equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence required to create employment opportunities for themselves and others.
She equally appreciated Obideyi for investing in the future of young people through the foundation’s various empowerment initiatives.
Olaniyan Shares Personal Experience on Importance of Vocational Skills
In his remarks, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan, former Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ibadan, shared his personal experience of how vocational training contributed to his career and business success.
Recounting his journey as an active footballer, Olaniyan explained that although he did not attain the highest level in his football career, an apprenticeship at a printing company eventually provided him with the practical experience and skills that helped him establish his own printing press business in Oyo State.
He advised the beneficiaries to recognise the long-term benefits of vocational training, stressing that practical skills acquisition should complement formal education and other forms of personal development.
He also praised Obideyi for his sustained commitment to youth empowerment and for creating opportunities capable of positively transforming the lives of young people.
Salami Urges Beneficiaries to Demonstrate Commitment
Similarly, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami applauded the foundation’s chairman for extending the scholarship opportunities to the beneficiaries.
He urged the young people not to take the gesture for granted, emphasising that confidence, a positive attitude, hard work, research and continuous learning are essential ingredients for success in business and other professional endeavours.
He encouraged them to remain focused throughout the training and make effective use of the opportunity provided by the foundation.
SunnyCutz Barbers Academy Assures Beneficiaries of Quality Training
Speaking on behalf of the academy, Mrs Akinfe Bukunmi Susan, wife of the proprietor of SunnyCutz Barbers Academy, outlined the institution’s training policies and expectations.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves, remain confident and demonstrate commitment to learning as they begin their vocational journey.
She also highlighted the importance of discipline, determination and personal development in achieving success in the barbering profession.
Foundation Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Earlier, Mrs Motunrayo, a member of the foundation, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, guests and other stakeholders who honoured the occasion with their presence.
She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to building the capacity of young people, restoring hope and creating opportunities that would enable them to succeed in their chosen careers.
The one-year barbering scholarship programme further demonstrates the Oyo Pillar of Sports Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting the importance of practical skills, entrepreneurship and inclusive opportunities in building a more economically empowered generation.
Through initiatives such as this, the foundation continues to demonstrate that investing in young people goes beyond supporting their sporting ambitions; it also involves equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to build sustainable futures.
